Raising minimum wage violates basic economics

Keith Kelleher's July 28 letter calling for raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour, coupled with the unintelligent demands of fast-food workers to see their hourly wages rise to $15, shows a clear lack of understanding of basic economics and how unions continue to serve themselves with no regard for the nation as a whole.

Kelleher was doing his job as an official of the Service Employees International Union by calling for the wage raise. However, he, along with many others, has lost sight of the notion that minimum-wage jobs are entry level and not meant to be the be-all end-all of a career.

Such a bump in the minimum wage and the unconscionable doubling of wages for fast-food workers would cripple industries. A fast-food restaurant would need to shrink its workforce in order to pay workers what they demand. Prices would need to be raised to the point of losing customers, thus the need to cut employees loose, raising unemployment and dependency upon government.

For those seeking wages above minimum wage, pay your dues, demonstrate responsible behavior and earn advancement along with a raise. Don't make demands that will ultimately find you replaced by someone willing to work for minimum wage.

Sanford D. Horn

Westfield

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Raising minimum wage violates basic economics

Keith Kelleher's July 28 letter calling for raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour, coupled with the unintelligent demands of fast-food workers to see their hourly wages rise to $15,